Wednesday 24 December 2014
Tune of the Day: Quem pastores laudavere
Traditional hymn tune
“Quem pastores laudavere” is Latin for “He whom the shepherds praised”. The hymn has been popular in Germany since the 16th century, and its title, shortened to “Quempas”, is also used as a generic term for Christmas songs in a German caroling tradition.
The earliest source for this Christmas tune was found by R.R. Terry in a manuscript dated 1410, at Hohenfurth Abbey, Germany. Many versions exist from the sixteenth century. The most famous arrangement is probably the one from Michael Praetorius, with the German text “Den die Hirten lobeten sehre”.
Thanks to Marcello for suggesting this tune!